SMOKING is to be banned from every part of the main Princess Alexandra Hospital building.

But there will be an area set aside for distressed or concerned relatives to smoke in the Accident and Emergency department.

The revised no-smoking policy has been drawn up by the hospitals NHS Trust following discussions with staff representatives and parents groups.

Smoking will be allowed in the grounds but away from hospital buildings and entrances.

The previous rules restricted staff smoking to a designated area within the hospital building, which was a social room next to the main hospital restaurant.

But Dr Mike Roddis, the trusts medical director, said that the room was not properly ventilated, and smoke permeated into the main hospital corridor, restaurant, chapel and physiotherapy department.

He added: Smoking is a major cause of many serious illnesses. It is up to an NHS organisation to show the way in discouraging smoking.

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